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Hospitals have undergone numerous changes today compared to 100 years ago. In quantifying this statement, this paper is going to touch on two major changes that have taken place over the past century. As defined by (Malam 1999), hospital is an institution in which patients, ailing from different diseases, are taken for medical care and treatment. These are provided by professional physicians and nurses. In the process, meals and beds are provided. This definition dates back in 1999; however, hospitals’ functions have diversified to the extent that new services are offered. Soletsky (2002) explains major changes in education, research and technology. Schulz and Johnson (2003) on the other hand have focused on changes in hospital functions. Therefore, this paper is going to tackle the two changes.
Education and research in medicine has increased over the past few years. There has been improved level of research on diseases due to improved quality of education among scholars. They are taking advantage of emerging technologies and numerous scholarly materials (Soletsky, 2002). As a result, diseases that had no cure in the past are now curable. Research on drugs has also led to development of drugs that are used to treat more than one disease. It is now possible for patients with terminal illnesses to be treated at home. Moreover, research has led to development of vaccines and immunization programs for treatment of diseases such as tetanus, polio, measles as well as whooping cough.
In addition to education and research, Soletsky (2002), identifies that technology used in hospitals has improved. Compared to a century ago, some diseases that were not easily noticed are now easily identified. This is because of improved technology in identification of disease causing microorganisms and their presence in human body. Moreover, Soletsky (2002), uses an example of “the 21-day coronary”. He
References: Malam, J. (1999). Hospital. Lincolnwood, Ill.: Peter Bedrick Books Schulz, R., & Johnson, A. C. (2003). Management of hospitals and health services: strategic issues and performance (3rd ed.). St. Louis: C.V. Mosby Co. Soletsky, L. (2002). 100 Years of Medicine. USA: writers club Press.